Croatia v England tips: Can England keep the dream alive?
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Football’s journey home takes another step closer as England meet Croatia in the semi-final of the World Cup.
Both sides have faced a relatively straight-forward passage through to the last four. But you can only beat what’s in front of you. And England and Croatia have managed it accordingly.
Odds of 5/2 on Croatia to win in 90 minutes here underline their dark horse credentials. England are the 27/20 favourites. And the Draw is available at 2/1.
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions are expected to be unchanged for the big clash. Croatia look like they could be without Atletico Madrid ace Sime Vrsaljko. The right-back is a huge doubt and Vedran Corluka is pencilled in to replace him.
Elsewhere, Marcelo Brozovic could come back into the midfield with Luka Modric reverting back into a more advanced role.
The big question here is, just how good at these two teams? Croatia haven’t overly impressed since disposing of Argentina 3-0. And while England looked decent against Sweden, they barely had to leave second gear.
However, Zlatko Dalic’s side could definitely be the more fatigued side. Both their last-16 and quarter-final clashes went all the way to penalties.
England should be fresher. Southgate’s squad are younger and have played fewer tournament minutes. The Three Lions to qualify is 8/13.
Either way, this should be a tight affair. Only two semi-finals since 1998 have produced more than two goals.
Under 2.5 Goals is 1/2. However, in the head-to-head record, both teams have found the net in five of their seven previous clashes. BTTS – Yes is 11/10.
While they have struggled to create much from open-play, England’s main weapon throughout the tournament has been set-pieces.
Harry Maguire and John Stones are both 10/1 to find the net Anytime. But Harry Kane is still the main man. And with six goals to his name so far, the Tottenham Hotspur man will be hungry for more. He’s available at 13/10 Anytime.
For Croatia, Ante Rebic has been a key danger for his team. The Fiorentina striker’s direct running and movement will need to be carefully watched. He’s 10/3 to hit the onion bag Anytime.
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All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
